Custom Billet Shift Knob for Toyota Tacoma (2-1/4" diameter). ***Utilizes factory boot.***

I'm thinking I'm number 3

 

Correct!

#2 for you.


Looks like I forgot to attach my shop code legend, so here it is so everyone can double check me.

 

Thinking I'm #4 and lookin good

 

Number 3 I think.

 

Weekly update picture. I went a little nuts on making extra V1 MT cores because setting those up is a chore (made extra V1 AT's last time), 10 should last me a while.

 

#Eight is great!

 

When will you start taking orders again? When this batch ships?

 

This is actually the last batch I am taking orders for, sort of. After this, custom orders will be very limited. I will be making them in my own time and posting them for sale complete.

I am starting with 5 to 10 each of AT/MT-V1/V2 configurations pictured in the OP as well as V2 MT Delrin Hybrid w/ SS core and V2 AT Delrin Hybrid w/ Al core (see post #124 for knob configuration details as I do not have them in the OP anymore). Looking back at the data those are the heavy favorites, so focus will go there and all of the SS or Ti stuff will have to be ordered through the aforementioned limited custom ordering.

 

All you lucky guys with custom knobs will be able to reminisce with your grandkids and say, "I remember when you could order custom knobs from this huge corporation." Good luck sir, you're making the right choice. However much it pains some of us. (Subliminal message..."titanium dash knobs.")

 

Understandable. I will order a Ti knob if ever available again.

 

Haha, it really isn't about that honestly. If anything I am trying to restore home/life balance, catch up on things that have been falling apart around me due to being hyperfocused on shop happenings. My dogs still love me, but I get a lot of sideways looks from them due to my being tired all the time. I took a selfie on the way to getting my haircut a few weeks ago, because I basically looked like a homeless person ... haha. Fulfilling orders was my priority and everything else took a back seat. I mean, I did shower every day but my hair and beard got pretty long.

That, and @Grossomotto hit the nail on the head about what I have been dealing with this past year. Succinctly put, but he clearly knows what this sort of structure will do to a person.

I don't mean to sound negative, because this project taught me a lot and would do it exactly the same way again if another product needed to be developed. Bringing these knobs to life was simply acting on requests in this very thread. I can sit here and design something on CAD and never be happy with it, but these I am proud of because literally dozens of us had part in shaping the aesthetic and function. Many call me "an artist", but I cannot take full credit at all.

Most people would charge a TON to alter their product to such a degree from where I started, but it was just plain exciting to be a part of how all of these options transpired. New features have not been requested for quite a while, and they are in such a high number now that I feel many are intimidated by the ordering process. Some are even ordering the wrong configurations and do not realize it until they go to install. My thoughts now are to bury the proverbial nuts and bolts of the operation (but keep them available for the technical folks), and see how the new structure works out ... hopefully it will be the best of both worlds.

I also resisted the temptation to take a LOT more money up front while you all suffered a year long wait for me to catch up. Proud of keeping that in check as well, even though some have actually cursed me out for not being able to take their order.

 

I absolutely agree you have to stop and smell the roses every once in awhile. I'm sure your new business model will fit 95% of the people you deal with and provide you with a little sanity too. The extra 5% of custom work will probably break up the monotony, keep you interested, and the creative juices flowing.

 

Update! Slow shop week. Roof went on the house(finally), camping, mother's day, two birthdays... time to catch up.

Made 3 more knob fixtures, so now I have 13 total which is nice.

 

Looking good.

 

Just finished installing mine from the previous run. Top notch sir!

Fits impeccably well and looks great. No pics yet.



One observation though. Felt like the core's threads were wrong after a few tries. It would go about 1 full turn and "stop". I then put on my man panties, gripped that shank real tight like, and it threaded down as it should. Maybe the threads on the shifter were a little gummed with whatever the OEM knob is made of.

 

Nice!

I probably put too much anti - seize lube in the hole and you had to squeeze the air through.

 

I hate it when I put too much lube in the hole.

 

No lube on my knob

 

Very cool seeing the process. Personally think ole' #8 looks especially good!